The first capital of the United States was in New York City. On March 4th, 1789, George Washington took his oath as president on the balcony at Federal Hall, which functioned as the first Capitol of the U.S. for the following year. The Federal Hall building, which was destroyed in 1812, was located on the site where the U.S. Customs House now stands.

The first presidential home in the United States was also in New York City; it was called “The Palace” and was located at 3 Cherry Street, on a site now occupied by the anchorage for the Brooklyn Bridge.

The first daily Yiddish newspaper, Yiddishes Tageblat, was founded in New York in 1865.

The first successful steamboat was launched from New York City. Designed and built by Robert Fulton, the Clermont made its maiden voyage from New York City to Albany in 1807.

The first public beer brewery in America was located in New Amsterdam, the predecessor of New York City. Peter Minuit, who was the governor of the colony in the 17th Century, established the brewery at the Market (Marckveldt) Field, which later gave its name to Market Street.

The first coins issued by the United States were pennies minted by a private contractor in New York.

The first local city bus in the United States was located in New York City. It started running in 1827, from the intersection of Houston Street and Broadway to the corner of Wall and William streets.